1 Kings 8:1-53 - The Promise of His Presence - The Village Chapel

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1 Kings 8:1-53 - The Promise of His Presence

October 22, 2023 • Pastor Tommy Bailey • 1 Kings 8:1–53

1 Kings 8 describes a great gathering of God's people in Jerusalem. The Temple construction had been completed and King Solomon called for an extraordinary celebration to honor this moment in the history of Israel. The pinnacle of the gathering was marked by the manifest presence of God falling on the Temple in a great cloud of glory.

The presence of God is something every human heart longs for, whether one acknowledges it or not. For some, that longing has been misdirected, obfuscated or calloused over, and for others, numbed by the weight of suffering. Still, some ignore or dismiss this longing through willful unbelief.

Join Pastor Tommy as we study this remarkable account of the dedication of the Temple. This notable event in the history of Israel points to an even greater reality of the resurrected King Jesus, who has made a new and living way for all people who turn to Him to dwell with God today and for eternity.

More from First and Second Kings: The King of Redemption History

1 Kings 22 - The Word of the LORD

March 17, 2024 • Pastor Jim Thomas • 1 Kings 22, John 17:17

1 Kings offers a 3000-year-old chronicle that begins with an inevitable but forced royal succession and continues with relentless political disorder and conflict. We started with the relatively good King David reigning over a united kingdom, and we now conclude 1 Kings with the ignoble death of the wicked King Ahab who ruled over half of a divided kingdom. Unsurprisingly, we learn that we need a greater king than any presented in the history of ancient Israel or Judah. However, we are reminded that even through our most tumultuous times, God has proven Himself faithful to His people. God was neither silent nor inactive. Throughout 1 Kings, Yahweh's faithful prophets speak, and the word of the Lord remains central in each chapter of our study. Join Pastor Jim as he concludes our exploration of 1 Kings, reminding us to remain alert and proactive, listening for the word of the Lord as it comes to us through the written word of God, the ancient scriptures, and the living Word of God, the greater King, Jesus Christ.

1 Kings 21 - Payday Someday

March 10, 2024 • Ryan Motta • Leviticus 25:23, Numbers 36:7, Psalm 73:16–20, Romans 8:1, 1 Kings 21

Why do the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper? In 1 Kings 21, we read of a story that involves a gross misuse of power and authority against an innocent man. Where is God in the midst of all of this? How will He make things right? Join us this week as we begin to unpack the glorious hope we have in Christ who helps the righteous to endure while also making a way for the wicked to be redeemed.

1 Kings 20 - The Surprising and Relentless Grace of God

March 3, 2024 • Pastor Jim Thomas • 1 Kings 20

Lots of people have asked questions about why God allows this or that to happen in our world. But have you ever wondered why God was merciful to somebody you thought simply didn’t deserve it? Why does it surprise us to think God might forgive those persons we consider to be repeat offenders or “repugnant others?" And are there ever times we think God simply could not forgive us for something we’ve done multiple times? Join Pastor Jim as he shows us how there are times the surprising and relentless grace of God proves Him to be more merciful than we think He should be, more powerful than we believe He could be, more just than we sometimes want Him to be and more wise than we ever imagined He could be.